Managing the operation and maintenance of a facility’s air conditioning equipment has always been a major responsibility, as chillers often represent the single largest electrical load in a facility. Since the annual cost of operating chillers is a major component in both the electrical and maintenance budgets, engineering and maintenance managers should take the necessary steps to ensure systems operate efficiently, effectively, and safely.

The phaseout of ozone-depleting refrigerants has made management of chillers and refrigerants even more important. The use of non-CFC refrigerants has changed the way chillers are manufactured and operated. To reflect these changes, new standards and EPA regulations have been introduced, and old ones have been modified or updated. Managers must stay on top of these changes if they are to keep their facilities in compliance and their chillers operating at peak efficiency.